Can end with incising and method for producing same

ABSTRACT

A can end for a beverage container is described. The can end has a public and an opposing product side. A center panel extends radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis. The center panel has a means for opening the center panel and a symbol conveying information to a user on the public side. The symbol is at least partially surrounded by a spacing member in the center panel. The spacing member is dimensioned and located to provide a relative height differential between the spacing member and the symbol. A reinforcing wall is located about a peripheral edge of the center panel. A circumferential wall extends upwardly from the reinforcing wall. A curl is joined to the circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a can end having incising on the public side.More particularly, the present invention is directed to a can end havinginformation incised on the public side with improved clarity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Common easy open end closures for beer and beverage containers have acentral or center panel that has a frangible panel (sometimes called a“tear panel,” “opening panel,” or “pour panel”) defined by a scoreformed on the outer surface, the “consumer side,” of the end closure.Popular “ecology” can ends are designed to provide a way of opening theend by fracturing the scored metal of the panel, while not allowingseparation of any parts of the end. For example, the most common suchbeverage container end has a tear panel that is retained to the end by anon-scored hinge region joining the tear panel to the reminder of theend, with a rivet to attach a leverage tab provided for opening the tearpanel. This type of container end, typically called a “stay-on-tab”(“SOT”) end has a tear panel that is defined by an incompletecircular-shaped score, with the non-scored segment serving as theretaining fragment of metal at the hinge-line of the displacement of thetear panel.

The container is typically a drawn and ironed metal can, usuallyconstructed from a thin sheet of aluminum or steel. End closures forsuch containers are also typically constructed from a cut-edge of thinsheet of aluminum or steel, formed into a blank end, and manufacturedinto a finished end by a process often referred to as end conversion.These ends are formed in the process of first forming a cut-edge of thinmetal, forming a blank end from the cut-edge, and converting the blankinto an end closure which may be seamed onto a container.

The seaming process typically requires the container and the can end tobe elevated and clamped between a base plate and a seaming chuck. Afirst set of seaming rollers are rotated about the seaming chuck alongthe open end of the container with sufficient pressure to form the firstportion of a double joining seam. When the first step in forming thedouble seam has been completed, the first pair of opposed seamingrollers is retracted, and the seaming rollers of a second pair areactuated to complete the double seam. When the seaming of the can end tothe can body is complete, the second set of seaming rollers isretracted, and the base plate piston is retracted. At the same time, aseamer knockout piston carried centrally of the seaming chuck isactuated to ensure freeing of the sealed container from the chuck tocomplete the seaming operation.

The can ends are generally provided with information on an upper orpublic side prior to seaming. The information is typically directed torecycling information and the like. The information is added to the endduring the manufacture of the end by stamping or incising. The incisingprocess leaves extra metal adjacent the lettering. A pressure within thecan may also cause the center panel of the can end to flex or bowslightly upward. This may cause the incising to distort and/or flexupwardly as well. During seaming, the excess metal and/or the distortedincising may cause metal build up on the seamer knockout. Thinner gaugecan ends also tend to pucker from the incising which may compound thebuild-up. As the excess material builds on the seamer knockout, itleaves a circumferential scratch on subsequent can ends as the rotatingcan ends are engaged by the stationary seamer knockout.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed aboveand other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not providedby prior can ends of this type. A full discussion of the features andadvantages of the present invention is deferred to the followingdetailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a can end for a beverage container.The can end has a public side and an opposing product side and comprisesa center panel, a reinforcing wall, a circumferential wall, and a curl.The center panel extends radially outwardly from a central longitudinalaxis and has a means for opening the center panel and a symbol conveyinginformation to a user on the public side. A spacing member is adapted toprovide a relative height differential between adjacent areas of thecenter panel and the symbol. The reinforcing wall is located about aperipheral edge of the center panel. The circumferential wall extendsupwardly from the reinforcing wall. The curl is joined to thecircumferential wall and defines an outer perimeter of the can end.

In one embodiment, the symbol is at least partially surrounded by adeboss in the center panel. The symbol may be located between the meansfor opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel.The symbol may be created by displacing a portion of the center panel.The symbol may be incised into the public side of the center panel. Theinformation conveyed to the user may be related to recycling. The symbolmay be located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel. The canend may further comprise a plurality of aligned symbols located adjacentthe peripheral edge of the center panel, each of the plurality ofsymbols may be at least partially surrounded a deboss in the centerpanel. The plurality of aligned symbols may follow an arc-shapedpattern. The plurality of aligned symbols may follow the shape of theperipheral edge of the center panel. Each of the plurality of incisedsymbols may be at least partially surrounded by a corresponding discreetdeboss in the center panel.

In another embodiment, the spacing member is an upwardly extending beadin the center panel. The bead is located adjacent the symbol wherein aheight of the bead is greater than a height of the symbol. The symbolmay be located between the means for opening the center panel and aperipheral edge of the center panel. The symbol may be created bydisplacing a portion of the center panel. The symbol may be incised intothe public side of the center panel. The information conveyed to theuser may be related to recycling. The symbol may be located adjacent theperipheral edge of the center panel. The can end may further comprise aplurality of aligned symbols located adjacent the peripheral edge of thecenter panel, each of the plurality of symbols may be at least partiallysurrounded a deboss in the center panel. The plurality of alignedsymbols may follow an arc-shaped pattern. The plurality of alignedsymbols may follow the shape of the peripheral edge of the center panel.Each of the plurality of incised symbols may be at least partiallysurrounded by a corresponding discreet deboss in the center panel.

The present invention is further directed to a can end for a beveragecontainer. The can end has a public side and an opposing product side.The can end comprises a center panel, a reinforcing wall, acircumferential wall, and a curl. The center panel extends radiallyoutwardly from a central longitudinal axis. The center panel has a meansfor opening the center panel and a symbol for conveying information to auser on the public side. The symbol includes a first character createdby displacing a portion of the public side of the center panel. Thefirst character is at least partially surrounded by a recess in thecenter panel. The reinforcing wall is located about a peripheral edge ofthe center panel. The circumferential wall extends upwardly from thereinforcing wall. The curl is joined to the circumferential wall anddefines an outer perimeter of the can end. The first character may belocated between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheraledge of the center panel. The recess may fully surround an outerperimeter of the first character. The symbol may further comprise asecond character at least partially surrounded by a second discreetrecess in the center panel. The first character may comprise anincising. The recess may be located on one side of the incising. Therecess may be located on opposite sides of the incising. Portions of thecenter panel adjacent to the recess may not be recessed.

The present invention is further directed to a can end for a beveragecontainer. The can end has a public side and an opposing product side, acenter panel extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinalaxis, a reinforcing wall located about a peripheral edge of the centerpanel, a circumferential wall extending upwardly from the reinforcingwall; and a curl joined to the circumferential wall defining an outerperimeter of the can end. The can end is attachable to the beveragecontainer by seaming the curl to an open end of the beverage containerduring a seaming operation wherein a seamer knockout separates a seamingchuck from the public side of the can end to complete the seamingoperation by engaging the public side of the center panel with a force.The can end comprises an incising and a spacing member. The incisingforms at least one symbol for conveying information to a user on thepublic side of the center panel. The incising is created by displacing aportion of the center panel. The spacing member is located on the centerpanel and is dimensioned and located to be engaged by a seamer knockoutduring a seaming operation. The spacing member provides a gap betweenthe incising and the seamer knockout during the seaming operation. Theadjacent portions of the center panel are engaged by the seamer knockoutduring the seaming operation. The spacing member removes the incisingfrom contact with the seamer knockout.

In another embodiment, the incising may be located between the means foropening the can end and the reinforcing wall.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the followingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a can end seaming operation illustrating anextended seamer knockout in engagement with a can end upon completion ofa seaming operation wherein the can end is seamed to a can body;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a can end seamed to a can body showing aseamer knockout in contact with the public side of the can end, theseamer knockout being removed from a seaming apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a container after a seaming operation includinga can end seamed to a can body;

FIG. 3 a is a cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. 3 taken along3 a-3 a of FIG. 3 and further showing a seamer knockout in communicationwith an excess metal from an incising on the can end, a pressure withinthe seamed container causing a center panel of the can end to bowupwardly and distort the incising to cause further contact of theincising excess metal to engage the seamer knockout;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a can end exhibiting a scratched center paneladjacent an incising;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a can end after a seaming operation, apublic side of the can end exhibiting an arc-shaped scratching caused bythe seamer knockout and intersecting a recycling information locatedadjacent a peripheral edge of a center panel of the can end;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a can end according to the present inventionhaving recycling information recessed on the center panel within adeboss panel;

FIG. 6 a is a cross-sectional view taken along 6 a-6 a of FIG. 6 andshowing a seamer knockout in engagement with the public side of the canend and a clearance or space between the seamer knockout and therecycling information;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a can end according to the present inventionhaving recycling information recessed on the center panel wherein eachsymbol of the recycling information is recessed within a discreet adeboss panel;

FIG. 7 a is a cross-sectional view taken along 7 a-7 a of FIG. 7 andshowing a seamer knockout in engagement with the public side of the canend and a clearance or space between the seamer knockout and therecycling information;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a can end according to the present inventionhaving an upwardly extending bead in the center panel adjacentinformation conveyed by incisings formed on the public side of thecenter panel;

FIG. 8 a is a cross-sectional view of the can end of FIG. 8 taken along8 a-8 a of FIG. 8 and further showing a seamer knockout in contact withthe bead in the center panel wherein a clearance or space between theseamer knockout is formed, and the seamer knockout does not contact theinformation conveying incision;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

The present invention is directed to a can end having informationconveying symbols and/or lettering incised within the public side of thecan end. The symbols and/or lettering are located within a recess ordebossed area at least partially around the symbols to eliminateknockout contact with the symbols during a seaming operation, includingattaching a can end to a can body and contacting the can end with aseamer knockout to remove the seamed container from the seaming chuck.Alternatively, an upwardly extending bead may be positioned adjacent thelettering to deflect the seamer knockout away from the lettering andeliminate knockout contact with the symbols during the seamingoperation.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, in a typical seaming operation, a knockout 1removes the beverage container 2 from a seaming chuck 3 by engaging thecan end 4 with a force. As shown in FIG. 2, the seamer knockout 1contacts the public side of the center panel of the can end 4, radiallyinwardly of the attachment of the can end 4 to the can body 5.

Referring to FIGS. 3-3 a, the can end 4 is generally provided withinformation 6 on an upper or public side 7 prior to seaming. Theinformation is added to the end 4 during the manufacture of the end 4 bystamping or incising. The incising process leaves extra metal 8 adjacentthe lettering 6. A pressure within the can may also cause the centerpanel of the can end to flex or bow slightly upward. This may cause theincising to distort and/or flex upwardly as well. During seaming, theexcess metal 8 and/or the distorted incising may cause metal build up onthe seamer knockout 1. Thinner gauge can ends 4 also tend to pucker, orhave a waving surface, from the incising which may compound thebuild-up. As the excess material 8 builds on the seamer knockout 1, itmay leave a circumferential scratch on subsequent can ends as therotating can ends are engaged by the stationary seamer knockout 1.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a previously seamed end member 10 for acontainer has a curl 12, a circumferential wall 14, a reinforcing wall16, typically a circumferential curved wall such as an annularcountersink or a folded structure, and a center or central panel wall 18extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis 50. Thecontainer is typically a drawn and ironed metal can such as the commonbeer and beverage containers, usually constructed from a thin sheet ofaluminum or steel that is delivered from a large roll called coil stockof roll stock. End closures for such containers are also typicallyconstructed from a cut edge of thin sheet of aluminum or steel deliveredfrom coil stock, formed into blank end, and manufactured into a finishedend by a process often referred to as end conversion. In the embodimentshown in the figures, the end member 10 is joined to a container by thecurl 12 which is joined to a mating curl of the container body. Theseaming curl 12 of the end closure 10 is integral with thecircumferential wall 14 which is joined to a radially outer peripheraledge portion 20 of the center panel 18 by the curvilinear reinforcingwall 16. This type of means for joining the end member 10 to a containerbody is presently the typical means for joining used in the industry,and the structure described above is formed in the process of formingthe blank end from a cut edge of metal sheet, prior to the endconversion process.

The center panel 18 has a means for opening the end 10. The means foropening the end 10 may include a displaceable closure member such as amembrane or thin foil or, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a tear panel 22defined by a curvilinear frangible score 24 and a non-frangible hingesegment 26. The hinge segment 26 is defined by a generally straight linebetween a first end and a second end of the frangible score 24. The tearpanel 22 of the center panel 18 may be opened, that is the frangiblescore 24 may be severed and the tear panel 22 displaced at an angularorientation relative to the remaining portion of the center panel 18,while the tear panel 22 remains hingedly connected to the center panel18 through the hinge segment 26. In this opening operation, the tearpanel 22 is displaced at an angular deflection, as it is opened by beingdisplaced away from the plane of the panel 18.

The frangible score 24 is preferably a generally V-shaped groove formedinto a public side 32 of the center panel 18. A residual is formedbetween the V-shaped groove and a product side 34 of the end member 10.

The illustrated opening means has a tab 28 secured to the center panel18 adjacent the tear panel 22 by a rivet 38. The rivet 38 is formed inthe typical manner. Often, and as illustrated, the opening means isrecessed within a deboss panel 40. In some instances, manufacturerspecific information is incised within the deboss panel, under the tab28, and visible through a finger hole 39 in the tab 28. Thismanufacturer specific information is generally a code of themanufacturer which would have no meaning to an ordinary user or even toanother manufacturer unless decoded.

The curvilinear reinforcing wall 16 is located about a peripheral edge20 of the center panel 18. Accordingly, the curvilinear reinforcing wall16 extends circumferentially about the center panel 18. The curvilinearwall 16 extends radially outwardly from the peripheral edge 20 of thecenter panel 18 and joins the center panel with the circumferential wall14.

The circumferential wall 14 joins the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16with the curl 12 so that an uppermost portion of the wall 14 is directlyconnected to the curl 12 and a lowermost portion of the wall 14 isdirectly connected to the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16. Accordingly,the circumferential wall 14 extends upwardly from the curvilinearreinforcing wall 16. The circumferential wall 14 may be angled outwardlyrelative to the longitudinal axis 50 or have an arcuate segment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the center panel 18 frequently includessymbols or characters 60 for conveying information to a user. Eachsymbol 60 may include a plurality of characters, including alphanumericcharacters, pictures, currency signs and the like, and are usedprimarily in connection with regional recycling programs, although manyother types of information can be provided as well. The symbols 60 aregenerally located on the public side 32 of the center panel 18 andformed by displacing a portion of the center panel 18. An incising orplurality of incisings 64 is/are often used to create the symbols 60.Typically, the residual of the center panel 18 is greater between thesymbols 60 and the product side 34 than between the score groove 22 andthe product side 34. Adjacent characters are typically aligned andlocated adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel, following theshape of the peripheral edge 20 and/or in an arc-shaped pattern.

These symbols 60 are located between the means for opening the can end10 and the curvilinear reinforcing wall 16, typically adjacent andspaced slightly radially inwardly from the peripheral edge 20 of thecenter panel 18. Each symbol 60 is generally aligned with an adjacentsymbol. The symbols may be in a straight line, follow an arc-shapedpattern, or follow the shape of the peripheral edge 20 of the centerpanel 18.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, after the seaming operation, the centerpanel 18 is often left with arc-shaped scratches 68. As described above,these scratches 68 are believed to be caused by a build-up of metal onthe seamer knockout. As the rotating can end meets the stationary seamerknockout, the build-up on the knockout produces unsightly scratches 68on the public side 32 of the center panel 18.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8 a, can ends 10 of the present invention areillustrated. In each of the embodiments, the symbol 60 comprises aplurality of alphanumeric characters. A spacing member, such as a deboss70 and/or an upwardly extending bead 71, is located on the center panel18. The spacing member displaces at least a portion of the center panel18 wherein a seamer knockout 74 in contact with the center panel 18cannot engage any excess metal provided by the symbol 60. In otherwords, the knockout 74 is spaced from the excess metal because thespacing member is offset from the symbol 60 in such a way that thespacing member is preferably engaged by the knockout rather than symbol60 wherein a space or gap is created between the knockout 74 and thesymbol 60. This is generally accomplished by creating a change in heightof the center panel 18 in the area adjacent the symbol 60 relative to aheight of the symbol 60. Stated another way, the spacing member isadapted, as in dimensioned and located, to provide a relative heightdifferential between adjacent portions of the center panel 18 and thesymbol 60.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7 a, the center panel 18 of the can end 10 includesa symbol 60. The symbol 60 comprises a plurality of alphanumericcharacters at least partially surrounded by a recess, preferably adeboss 70, in the center panel 18. The symbol 60 is located between themeans for opening the center panel 18 and the curl 12, and the deboss 70is sufficiently deep to create a space 72 between a seamer knockout 74and the symbol 60 when the seamer knockout 74 is otherwise in engagementwith the center panel 18. This space 72 eliminates contact between thesymbol 60 and the seamer knockout 74 so that material cannot build-up onthe engagement surface of the seamer knockout.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6 a, a single deboss 70completely surrounds the plurality of alphanumeric characters making upthe symbol 60. In this embodiment, a deboss 70 includes a generallysmooth and flat surface 76 on which the symbol 60 is placed. Again, thetypical method of placing the symbol 60 on the center panel 18 is bydisplacing a portion of the center panel 18 by incising.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 7 a, in another embodiment, each discreetcharacter of a symbol 60 is at least partially surrounded by acorresponding discreet deboss 70 wherein each discreet character isrecessed within the discreet deboss 70. Each symbol 60 generallycomprises a plurality of characters with each character incised withinthe center panel 18. Each deboss 70 is located on one or opposing sidesof each incising. Preferably, each of the plurality of incisedcharacters in the center panel 18 are fully surrounded by thecorresponding deboss 70 wherein an outer perimeter of each character issurrounded a discreet recess in the center panel. Further, adjacentportions of the center panel 18 are not recessed.

In these embodiments, the can end 10 has a plurality of incisings 64forming at least one symbol 60 on the public side of the center panel 18for conveying information to a user. The incisings 64 are created bydisplacing material on a portion of the center panel 18. A recess,preferably a deboss 70, in the center panel 18 at least partiallysurrounds the symbol, or, as illustrated in FIG. 7 a, each incising. Therecess displaces at least a portion of the incising 64 vertically belowadjacent portions of the center panel 18 public side 32. The adjacentportions of the center panel 18 are engaged by a seamer knockout 74during a seaming operation. The recess removes the incising 64 fromcontact with the seamer knockout 74 by creating a space 72 between theincising 64 and the seamer knockout 74.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 8 and 8 a, the center panel 18 of thecan end 10 includes a symbol 60. The symbol 60 comprises a plurality ofalphanumeric characters located adjacent one or more upwardly extendingbeads 71. The symbol 60 is located between the means for opening thecenter panel 18 and the curl 12, and the beads 71 are of a sufficientheight to create a space 72 between a seamer knockout 74 and the symbol60 when the seamer knockout 74 is otherwise in engagement with thecenter panel 18. This space 72 eliminates contact between the symbol 60and the seamer knockout 74 so that material cannot build-up on theengagement surface of the seamer knockout.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 8 a the beads 71 are preferablycontacted by the knockout 74. That is, the knockout 74 is more inclinedto engage the beads 71 than an area of the center panel 18 surroundingthe beads 71, including the symbol 60.

In the embodiment illustrated, the can end 10 has a plurality ofincisings 64 forming at least one symbol 60 on the public side of thecenter panel 18 for conveying information to a user. Again, theincisings 64 are created by displacing material on a portion of thecenter panel 18. An upwardly extending portion of the center panel 18,preferably a bead 71, in the center panel 18 is adapted, as in sized andlocated, to be engaged by a seamer knockout 74 preferentially oversurrounding areas of the center panel 18, including the area or areas ofthe center panel 18 including the incisings 64. In other words, when theseamer knockout 74 engages the bead 71, a space 72 is created betweenthe seamer knockout 74 and adjacent areas of the center panel 18,including the incisings 64, to prevent contact by the knockout 74 withthe adjacent areas of the center panel 18, including the incisings 64.

An alternative method of preventing scratching or scuffing of can endscaused by the seamer knockout is to alter the material used to producethe knockout. For instance, the knockout can be produced with atitanium-nickel (TiN) coating. This alternative is preferably used incombination with one or more of the previously described embodiments.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described,numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing fromthe spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limitedby the scope of the accompanying Claims.

1. A can end for a beverage container, the can end having a public sideand an opposing product side, the can end comprising: a center panelextending radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis, thecenter panel having a means for opening the center panel, a symbolconveying information to a user on the public side, and a spacing memberis adapted to provide a relative height differential between adjacentportions of the center panel and the symbol; a reinforcing wall locatedabout a peripheral edge of the center panel; a circumferential wallextending upwardly from the reinforcing wall; and a curl joined to thecircumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end.
 2. Thecan end of claim 1 wherein the spacing member is a deboss panel in thecenter panel, the symbol at least partially surrounded by the deboss inthe center panel.
 3. The can end of claim 2 wherein the symbol islocated between the means for opening the center panel and a peripheraledge of the center panel.
 4. The can end of claim 2 wherein the symbolis created by displacing a portion of the center panel.
 5. The can endof claim 4 wherein the symbol is incised into the public side of thecenter panel.
 6. The can end of claim 4 wherein the information conveyedto the user is related to recycling.
 7. The can end of claim 4 whereinthe symbol is located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel.8. The can end of claim 4 further comprising a plurality of alignedsymbols located adjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel, eachof the plurality of symbols at least partially surrounded a deboss inthe center panel.
 9. The can end of claim 8 wherein the plurality ofaligned symbols follows an arc-shaped pattern.
 10. The can end of claim9 wherein the plurality of aligned symbols follows the shape of theperipheral edge of the center panel.
 11. The can end of claim 8 whereineach of the plurality of incised symbols is at least partiallysurrounded by a corresponding discreet deboss in the center panel. 12.The can end of claim 2 wherein the means for opening the center panel islocated within a second deboss panel recessed on the center panel. 13.The can end of claim 1 wherein the spacing member is an upwardlyextending bead in the center panel, the bead located adjacent the symbolwherein a height of the bead is greater than a height of the symbol. 14.The can end of claim 13 wherein the symbol is located between the meansfor opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of the center panel.15. The can end of claim 13 wherein the symbol is created by displacinga portion of the center panel.
 16. The can end of claim 15 wherein thesymbol is incised into the public side of the center panel.
 17. The canend of claim 15 wherein the information conveyed to the user is relatedto recycling.
 18. The can end of claim 15 wherein the symbol is locatedadjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel.
 19. The can end ofclaim 15 further comprising a plurality of aligned symbols locatedadjacent the peripheral edge of the center panel.
 20. The can end ofclaim 19 wherein the plurality of aligned symbols follows an arc-shapedpattern.
 21. The can end of claim 19 wherein the plurality of alignedsymbols follows the shape of the peripheral edge of the center panel.22. The can end of claim 13 wherein the means for opening the centerpanel is located within a second deboss panel recessed on the centerpanel.
 23. A can end for a beverage container, the can end having apublic side and an opposing product side, the can end comprising: acenter panel extending radially outwardly from a central longitudinalaxis, the center panel having a means for opening the center panel and asymbol for conveying information to a user on the public side, thesymbol including a first character created by displacing a portion ofthe public side of the center panel, the first character at leastpartially surrounded by a recess in the center panel; a reinforcing walllocated about a peripheral edge of the center panel; a circumferentialwall extending upwardly from the reinforcing wall; and a curl joined tothe circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end. 24.The can end of claim 23 wherein the first character is located betweenthe means for opening the center panel and a peripheral edge of thecenter panel.
 25. The can end of claim 23 wherein the recess fullysurrounds an outer perimeter of the first character.
 26. The can end ofclaim 23 wherein the symbol further comprises a second character atleast partially surrounded by a second discreet recess in the centerpanel.
 27. The can end of claim 23 wherein the first character comprisesan incising.
 28. The can end of claim 27 wherein the recess is locatedon one side of the incising.
 29. The can end of claim 27 wherein therecess is located on opposite sides of the incising.
 30. The can end ofclaim 29 wherein portions of the center panel adjacent to the recess arenot recessed.
 31. A can end for a beverage container, the can end havinga public side and an opposing product side, a center panel extendingradially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis, a reinforcing walllocated about a peripheral edge of the center panel, a circumferentialwall extending upwardly from the reinforcing wall; and a curl joined tothe circumferential wall defining an outer perimeter of the can end, thecan end attachable to the beverage container by seaming the curl to anopen end of the beverage container during a seaming operation wherein aseamer knockout separates a seaming chuck from the public side of thecan end to complete the seaming operation by engaging the public side ofthe center panel with a force, the can end comprising: an incisingforming at least one symbol for conveying information to a user on thepublic side of the center panel, the incising created by displacing aportion of the center panel; a spacing member on the center paneldimensioned and located to be engaged by a seamer knockout during aseaming operation, the spacing member providing a gap between theincising and the seamer knockout during the seaming operation.